TEHRAN-- The 12th Khalkhal winter sports and games festival was held in a snowy atmosphere with the message of preserving the environment and wildlife of the region on Friday.

It was widely welcomed by the people and tourists, creating a new manifestation of social vitality in Khalkhal, Ardabil province.

According to Miras Aria, Khalkhal winter festival was held in cooperation with the Khalkhal Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, Khalkhal Municipality, Sports and Youth Department, and Bam-e Khalkhal Tourist Complex in cold and freezing weather, and participants competed in skiing and public sports.

During the festival, creation of snow and ice sculptures with theme of wildlife and the environment was considered as a symbol of friendship with nature.

Khalkhal Governor Hossein Vatandoost considered the purpose of holding the festival to create social enthusiasm and vitality, introduce winter tourism capacities, and provide a ground for private sector investment in this field. He announced the city's readiness to hold national and transnational festivals in the coming years.

Also, Ali Darvishi, head of Khalkhal Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, considered the high level of public participation and selection of an appropriate location for the festival to be the factors behind the success of the program.  “Holding such events provides an opportunity to introduce the capacities of eco-tourism and tourism complexes to the investors.”

At the closing ceremony of the festival, which was held in the presence of Vahid Kanani, an MP representing Khalkhal and Kowsar in Iranian Parliament, and a group of local officials, the creators of the three top statues of the festival were honored with a plaque of appreciation and cash prizes.

KD